Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir until dissolved. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes on a floured surface or with a mixer until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour at a time.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the doughnuts. (You can save the doughnut holes to fry as well!)
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises, it’s ready.
- Fry the Doughnuts:
- Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and shiny.
- Glaze the Doughnuts:
- Once the doughnuts have cooled enough to handle, dip the tops of each doughnut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the glaze to firm up for a few minutes before serving your classic glazed doughnuts. Enjoy them fresh and warm!
These homemade doughnuts are a real treat! Enjoy the classic, sweet flavor and crispy texture with a soft inside.